[June 28, CGTN Japanese]It has been discovered that gold and silver inscriptions dating from the late Tang Dynasty, Five Dynasties, Qing and Republic of China periods have become new possessions of the National Museum of China.

According to those involved, among these gold and silver inscriptions, the 50-tael silver inscription engraved with the character “Shao” from the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the Five Dynasties period (907-960) retains the original shape of a boat-shaped silver inscription, providing modern people with a valuable insight into the large-scale commercial transactions of the time. In addition, its appearance shows an important connection with the development of the shape and type of silver bullion, and is considered to be of great significance in the study of ancient economic history and the changes in the shape of silver.

Furthermore, a 50-liang silver inscription entitled “Hubei Yanlin Bureau Xue Yongsheng” from the Qing Dynasty (1616 or 1644–1911) is an important testimony to the financial and tax reforms implemented in Hubei Province in the late Qing Dynasty.

The gold tablets made at the official mint during the Republican period were all exchanged for cash by banks after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, collected and melted down by the government, or used by private citizens to make jewelry, so there are thought to be very few remaining.

The new gold and silver inscriptions are expected to be of great significance in enriching and improving the collection of the National Museum of China. (c)CGTN Japanese/AFPBB News